Seniors, who are at high risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, can prolong their lives by taking low doses of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) every day. This conclusion was made by scientists from the University of South Carolina. EurekAlert! Briefly describes the study.
To assess the long-term effects of aspirin, experts analyzed data from several national studies. They were able to simulate two health scenarios for older Americans taking aspirin. In this case, such indicators as chronic diseases, body mass index and mortality were taken into account.
The first scenario assessed the health benefits by following the advice of a panel of experts who argued that acetylsalicylic acid should be taken by men aged 45-79 and women aged 55-79 when the potential benefit outweighs the potential harm from bleeding in the intestines. In the second scenario, scientists assumed that all US residents over the age of 51 were using aspirin every day, despite the recommendations.
It has been found that if the guidelines are followed, 11 cases of cardiovascular disease and four cases of cancer can be prevented for every 1,000 Americans aged 51 to 79. Life expectancy will increase by 0.3 years. As a result, out of a thousand people, more than eight will reach the age of 80, and another three - 100 years.
The researchers found no significant reduction in the incidence of stroke. In addition, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding will increase by 25 percent. In the second scenario, the benefits of aspirin were only marginally higher.